Throw.Pin.Submit.

Main Menu

UFC 170: Ronda Rousey – Sara McMann Fight Preview

The anticipation for Rousey vs McMann is mounting with only 24 hours until the Olympic bronze medalist judoka faces the Olympic silver medalist wrestler.

There have been a lot of pre-fight analysis and predictions out there since the fight was announced so I won’t try and outdo what’s out there, but I’ll present one of the best ones I’ve seen and add my own two cents.

So, in case you haven’t seen it, here is BJJ Scout’s extremely thorough look at how Ronda’s takedowns and ground game stack up against Sara’s.

BJJ Scout’s analysis in a nutshell – McMann’s submission grappling appears to be in the early stages of development. After watching some footage of her, I’d have to agree. A wrestler of her pedigree will pick up the submission game quickly, but a judoka who has been submission grappling for 20 years will be a few steps ahead. As you’ll see in the video, McMann has limited use of her toes which on the ground which limits her ability to posture, stand and reposition while in her opponents guard. This is extremely dangerous as Ronda has, I would say, the most dangerous guard game in MMA, (as a whole, not just women’s MMA, men included).

Advantage: Rousey – What it comes down to is experience in submission grappling. See for yourself in the video below

McMann and a Rousey both like to bull rush in and get the clinch for their takedown of choice. Rousey likes to go for a head and arm control, whereas McMann comes in with a one-two punch to secure double unders. From the double unders she will utilize her suplex. Ronda will utilize footsweeps to unbalance her opponent and throw in the direction she is weakest. She has a variety of throws and can score a takedown in any direction.

One of main facets of judo is that it isn’t about learning moves, it’s about movements. What do I mean by this? It’s not about learning the latest sweep or 50/50 guard, judo teaches you to be acutely aware of your opponents momentum and balance and take them down using a variety of different body movements.

However, if anyone can take Ronda down it will be McMann and likely with a low singles, that being said, it will be interesting to see if Ronda will pull off some decent judo from the clinch. Personally I think if McMann utilizes her typical bull rush double under, she will be in Ronda’s territory. And again, once they are on the ground, Rousey will likely have a large advantage.

Advantage: Netural, or slightly to Rousey. See the video below and see what you think.

Part III: Striking

I won’t pretend I know too much about striking, but here are some videos of Ronda training below! There are some sick no gi judo throws, on-point boxing and wrestling training with Olympian Martin Berberyan. I tried to find some videos on McMann training, but no such luck. Post in the comments if you find any.